aussielover

awesome if you like your Labs with a lack of balance, dippy topline, flat feet, upright shoulders but that's generally what happens when you get one from a BYBer, they aren't bred to the standard

That's a bit rude isn't it?

A dog can be good looking, fit, happy and healthy even if it is not a perfect show dog.

Even purebred registered dogs produce puppies that aren't exactly to standard. That's what limited reg and pet homes are for right?

I take it you don't like the yellow show dog at the bottom of the pics. Personally I think she is lovely.

This is my BYB Lab at around age 4 - in prime condition and just the way I like her to be.

Still looks very much the same but a bit more "solid" now at age 8... and weighs in at 26-27kg.

I'd like to see some of the Labs I've seen in the showring (admittedly I've only seen them at the Sydney Royal) just a bit leaner looking - like this gorgeous looking girl...

T.

They're lovely dogs

Unless there is no space between the end of the ribs and the hips then it is possible for every dog to have a tucked in waist to some degree. It may be more or less pronounced in different types and breeds

The dog on the left in a show (and retrieving) champion from the 1960's. He has many features previously mentioned:BROAD, DEEP, WIDE, BARREL RIBS, STRONG and also actually looks like an athletic, fit water dog. Like many breeds, I guess the lab is just becoming more extreme in certain areas.

You can't compare types, although my girl is from mainly show lines as well, but you don't need to if you're just judging body condition.

I don't believe labs need a layer of fat on them unless living in the most extreme conditions. Even working labradors in canada and the US who do jump into freezing water as a matter of routine are of an athletic type and condition.

This dog is more "strongly" built and probably fits the standard better than my female but to me still actually looks athletic and fit.

http://www.dogzonline.com.au/breeds/profile.asp?dog=65594

This is the best Best of Breed at Westminster (the AKC equivalent to Crufts).

The dog is clearly overweight and could even be described as obese. How is it possible that a dog in this condition could win best of breed? Does this dog looking capable of putting in a day's work?

I don't really follow the aussie show ring much but the few shows I have been to, I have been quite disturbed by the excess weight that many of the labs are carrying. Most of the shows I go to also held agility and gundog trials at the same time and the difference in the condition of the show dogs and other dogs was obvious. Some of the puppies in the puppy class were almost double the width of my pet labrador. At the royal easter show, quite a few of the labs waddled around the ring, and there were some nasty comments from those around me. I felt like turning around and saying that not all labs are like that, and many labs are actually quite athletic!

These dogs are meant to be top specimens of the breed, and I really think they should be shown in a healthier condition. No wonder people think it is ok, even normal for their labrador to be overweight

This concern has nothing to do with type or show vs working, as any type of dog can be overweight, but really should judges be rewarding those that are overweight? Being overweight reduces quality of life as well as lifespan, so it is a serious health issue.

This is my lab

She wouldn't make a show dog but she is happy and healthy.

She looks great! how are her pups going?

She also looks really tall in that video!

The presence of any dog at all is a deterrent to opportunistic intruders. A large barking dog is even more off putting. If someone is purposely targeting your home then even the best security systems may not be effective.

My vet killed himself last weekend

That's terrible

So sorry to hear this.

If she's a typical mouthy/bitey lab puppy the kids are are probably "over her" already or will be very shortly

That's if they're not scared of her already- heard quite a few horror stories of boisterous lab puppies terrifying the kids in the fmaily by jumping and mouthing etc and thus being banished outside which only makes the behaviour worse.

I feel quite mean now, I'm in canberra with a labrador, but I don't really ever put a coat on her. She sleeps inside, I tried doggy pyjamas for her once but she ripped them off!

As labradors are bred for cold climates, I'm worried she will get too hot in a coat and won't be able to get it off.

I like the one Wiz is wearing, it seems the most suitable for a labrador as it looks pretty lightweight.

Do they even still want the dog?

Its better to rehome sooner rather than later, especially as she will have a better chance if shes still small and cute.

My dogs are allowed on my furniture so no they wouldn't be on furniture at an accommodation place. To me dog friendly means dogs are allowed and the fencing is safe for them. I am a bit that people would be letting them on someone else's furniture.

I'm with you Jules. I don't really see why the dogs have to sleep on the bed. What worries me more is that we have a large dam on the property which some people might like to let their dogs swim in & then allow them on the bed. Being on tank water would mean that there would not be oddles of water for washing dogs down. Maybe I should forget about the whole idea & just build myself a little studio in the magic spot I have in mind. :)

If that is what they are used to then it can be quite hard for them to come to terms with different arrangements :laugh:

Having said that, whilst my dog normally sleeps on my bed, I crate her when I stay at other people's homes, unless they say otherwise.

Personally I also wouldn't choose to stay somewhere where dogs were not allowed on beds and furniture if at all possible. The places I have stayed with my dog have either charged an extra cleaning fee or required that you bring your own bedding or rugs if the dogs are to go onto the furniture and bed. I think that works out well for everyone.

All sheets and the doona cover/quitls etc would surely be changed after each guest anyway? I would just have a clause syaing i'd charge an extra fee to cover the cost of a new doona if people did allow their wet/dirty dogs onto the bed and it seeped through to the doona itself.

Poor labby

Very sad for such a people focused breed to be treated this way.

As dog mad said, at least there is an excellent labrador rescue group.

It seems like they don't have time or the sense for a dog at all, but perhaps an older dog or a lower energy breed would have been more suitable and more likely to work for them.

You sound very responsible and would offer a dog a great home :)

I tend to agree with HW about Wei's being a enthusiasts breed. In my experience they are one of the more challenging gundog breeds, being quite large, high energy and more independent minded than a lot of the other gundogs.

However with some minor (depending on how you look at it) adjustments to your lifestyle, I think they could be quite suitable for you.

On average I'd say 1 hour exercise a day in combination with full time work isn't enough for this breed. Definitely running or cycling is the way to go, a 1 hr walk won't challenge this breed at all. If you could also do another hour or so before work (which may mean getting up quite early) or get a dog walker, I think that would be better. Even my laid back labrador gets 2 hours of exercise a day minimum to keep her happy. Having said that, I enjoy exercising her and she is a good running/ cycling partner as she is good motivation! I wouldn't advise looking at a high energy dog like a Wei if you find exercise tedious or boring.

As with all breeds, there are individuals who are more laid back so finding a good breeder is paramount.

What is it about Weimaraners that appeals you? I guess it comes down to whether those features that you love are worth making the necessary adjustments to your lifestyle.

Good luck with your decision!

Agree with Vickie- it's more about developing the pups desire to work with you than about restricting access to other dogs. Of course common sense should be exercised- don't let them interact with unknown dogs without checking with the owner if it is ok.

Of course a lot also depends on temperament, desire to work with you and food/toy drive. I have a labrador, a breed renowned for love of play with other dogs but from a young age she's always been much more interested in food or her ball so I never experienced any difficulty in calling her away from other dogs. Unfortunately she now rarely plays with other dogs, would rather her ball (and definitely prefers food to anything!!!!) so it is a double edged sword. She pretty much only (rarely) plays with other labs that she knows and only if there's nothing else to do.

I would highly recommend this course. I have never had anything to do with Katrina, but Kelly is, without a doubt, one of the best dog trainers I know.

If the course shows people to raise puppies even half as confident and consistently well trained as Kelly's puppies are then you can't go wrong.

Totally agree with this. If I had a puppy now I would be doing this course. Not only is Kelly an awesome trainer, she is a genuinely nice person who has achieved amazing results with her dogs!

Lots of people are doing online courses for dog sports and have found them beneficial.

Plenty of online courses involve you having to video your progress which is a great idea and makes it more interactive.

I think its a great opportunity for lots of people to learn from the best when they wouldn't otherwise be able to.

As with most things in life, you get out as much as you put in, I think this applies to all methods of dog training, online or in person.

They really should not have taken out the first months payment without agreement of the new policy anyway! Regardless of payment method. My car insurance renewal etc. always arrives well in advance so I can stop the renewal of the policy before the first payment.

I think this is the worst thing.

If that happened to me I would ask for a refund for that amount and then cancel the policy.

So they are not telling you, just taking the extra money straight out of your account????

As rebanne said, surely that is illegal?!

Mine is $36 per month (accident and illness) and there is no way I'd be willing to pay double that.

Maybe he has megaoesophagus?

Try feeding him with his head in an elevated position. Ideally keep his head elevated for 30 mins after eating as well.

This must be very difficult for you. I feel terrible for both you and your dog.

From your posts it really sounds like he is in a bad way. Internal bleeding, kidney disease, cancer and a heart condition is a lot for any living creature to deal with.

Are they doing anything about the internal bleeding? If it's from cancer it probably won't stop itself and he may bleed to death which can be quite painful. It also sounds like he needs more aggressive pain control, perhaps the tramadol or fentanyl patch?

Although mindys registered name is wintoppi she is actually from a breeder in kingaroy with the prefix devilsnest. I'm not sure if they are even breeding anymore. She was part of a litter that went to guide dogs.

I'd be looking for a breeder that has a history of producing assistance or guide dogs or performance dogs. They often favor a smaller frame dog with a good temperament which is the most important thing. And of course the dogs have to be very healthy.

Lablover on dol breeds working line retrieving Labradors and may be able to give you an idea on whether a working lab would be suitabe for your situation .

I don't understand the purpose of walking dogs into trees?

Is it really that big a deal if your dog occasionally goes on the wrong side of a tree??? Or you could just keep it on a shorter lead....

It is very disturbing that this is shown on international TV.

In my experience Aussies are less "serious" than BCs but both can have similar problems if not managed correctly.

I disagree with those saying only go for show line BCs. Working dogs have to have an off switch too. In my experience the working lines actually seem to have a better off switch but that may also be influenced by the type of people who own them (generally experienced dog sport people).

Be careful about the breeder you select, ideally visit and see at least one of the parents. Tell the breeder you are after a more laid back dog.

It doesn't work as it had no uv block in it.

The same goes for tattooing the area which people used to do.

Just use a pet sunscreen

Doubling up is not beneficial.

Some vaccines are registered for an early finish at10 weeks,which means pups only receive 2 vaccinations

Talk to your vet about the suitability of this. It often depends on area, infection rates etc.

In a high parvo area I would advise the last vaccination finishing at 14-16 weeks (ie the full 3 puppy vaccination course)